Foldable table with leg latch means



NOV. 18, 1952 c. HOFFMANN FOLDABLE TABLE WITH LEG LATCH MEANS 2 SHEETS-SHEET l Filed NOV. 30, 1949 NOV* 18, 1952 c. HoFFMANN FOLDBLE TABLE WITH LEG LATCH MEANS 2 SHEETS--SHEET 2 Filed Nov. 50, 1949 la l l l zz a6,

INVENTOR.

Patented Nov. 18, 19512.#

FOLDABLE TABLE WITH LEG LATCH MEAN S Carl Hoffmann, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Mell- Hoflmann Mfg. Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application November 30, 1949, Serial No. 130,159

6 Claims. 1 This invention relates to furniture and more particularly to portable folding tables.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a folding table of improved and simplified construction; more specifically stated, it is an object of the invention to provide a folding table whose moving parts are simpler and more rugged in construction and which is easier to set up and to fold.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved table top and top frame construction.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a table of the type described an improved folding leg structure; more specifically, it is an object to provide a more sturdy and more easily operated folding leg structure.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in a table of the type described an improved reinforcing brace and brace lock.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following specication taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodiment is set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used to refer to like parts throughout:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a folding table made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the invention, the table being shown in the unfolded operative position;

Figure 2 is a perspective View of the table shown in Figure 1 with the table placed in position for folding with one leg in the partially folded position;

Figure 3 is a perspective View of the table shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the fully folded condition;

Figure 4 is a partial end View in cross section of the table shown in Figure 2 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 thereof;

Figure 5 is a partial side view in cross section of the table shown in Figure l substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 5 5 thereof;

Figure 6 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of a leg hinge substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a partial enlarged view in cross section of a table top hinge substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 'l--1 of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a partial enlarged View partly in cross section of the hinge construction shown in Figure 7 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 8-8 thereof;

Figure 9 is a partial perspective View of the reinforcing brace and brace lock used in the present invention;v

Figure 10 isan enlarged View in cross section of the reinforcing brace lock shown in Figure 5 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line lil-lil thereof;

Figure 11 is a partial enlarged end view of the connection between a table leg and its associated reinforcing braces; and,

Figure 12 is a partial perspective View of another form of reinforcing brace and brace lock which may be used inthe present invention.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figures 1Y and-'2 thereof, there is shown a folding table generally designated by the numeral 2D made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention. The table comprises generally a pair of table top sections 22 and 24 which are hinged together as at 26 and 28, andapair of supporting leg structures 3E) and 32,7which support the ends of top sections 22 and 24 respectively.

The table top sections 22 and 24 are bounded on their outer edges by three channel-shaped members 34-36-38 and 40-42-44 respectively. Channel-shaped members 34 through 44 ccmprise a relatively wide'channel portion provided with shorter ange portions on either edgethereof. Referring more particularly to Figure 6, it-

is seen that channel-shaped member 38- comprises a wide central channel member 45 which has formed on the edges thereof shorter flange.

members 43 and 55. Channel-shaped members 34, 3B, 42 and 44' are similarly constructed.

The load carrying panels 52 and 54 of the table top sections 22 -and 24 respectively comprise sheets of wood, plastic, fiber board or other suitable structural materials. The panels 52 and 54 are held in horizontally extending grooves formed by the cooperation of the upper flange of channel-shaped members 34 through 44 and the upper flanges of a Vplurality of channels which are positioned within channel-shaped members 34 through 44. More specifically, L-shaped members 56, 58, and 62 are provided to cooperate with the channel-shaped members 34, 36, 38 and 40 respectively. Channel-shaped members 42 and 44 are also supplied with similar channel-shaped members not shown in the drawings.

As may be best seen in Figure 6, one edge of the panel section 52 is supported between the top flange 48 and a flange 64 formed on the upper edges of the channel-shaped member 38 and the L-shaped member B respectively. The other two outside edges of panel 52 are similarly supported on the upper` and lower sides thereof by corresponding flange members. 'Ihis construction firmly holds the panel 52in position and supports all the points on the outer periphery thereof. Such a construction gives a good support for the panel section 52 without the use of any fastening member such as nails or screws. As is well known in the art, the application of screws and nails to the outer periphery of various plywoods and fiber boards is most unsatisfactory since the sheet material tends to split or the fastening members tend to pull out. The' present construction allows the use of such materials in table tops without any ofthe attendant disadvantages of the aforementioned fastening devices. The panel section 54 is similarly supported along the periphery of three of its edges by flange members forming a part Aof the table top frame.

The table top sectionsZ/l) and 22 are hinged to each other at points 26 and' 28 by a structure which is illustrated in detail in Figures 7 and 8. These gures are enlargedviews of hinge 28, hinge 26 being identical in construction. The abutting edges of panels 52 and 54 are supported on their lower sides bythe flange of L-shaped members 66 and 68 respectively which are positionedwithin and lie against a second set of juxtaposed L-shaped members and l2. Flanges 1| and '|3 are formed on the bottom of the L-shaped members l0 and 'l2 respectively and support the lower edges of the L-shaped members Bti-68. The upper edges of 'members 10 and 'l2 extend up to and embrace the juxtaposed edges of the panel sections 52 and 54. Referring to Figure 8, there are shown longitudinally extending flanges 'I4 and 13 which are formed upon the ends of the members 18 and 'l2 respectively and which lie parallel tothe length of the table within the tabletop frame. There is provided a pair of overlapping hinge members 18 and 80 that areriveted or otherwise suitably fastened between members 38, 6|l`and '|4Yand 40, 62 and 16 respectively'suchzasby rivets 88;l It is to be understood that other? suitable fastening devices may be used inplace of the rivets 88'. The ends 82 and 84 of the vhinge members'l' and 8|) overlap and areapertured to receive a pin 86 which holds the end sections in hinged rela-r tionship.

Suitable bracingfor the center ofthe expanse of panel sections 52 and54lis provided in the form of a plurality of perpendicularly disposed members 90-9294 andv9698||lllv respectively. The members 92-l and 98 are channelshaped in cross section and are fastened to the main table top frame. Referring to Figure 7, there is shown an enlarged view ofthe manner in which the inner ends of members 92 vand 98 are fastened in position. A pair of'rivets |02 and |04 is provided, which passes through the table top panels 52and 54respectively, through the flange of members 6B-68, through the centralportion of members 92, 98 and a pair` of spacer plates |96 and |08 respectively. The brace members 99, 94, 96 and |03 are provided with laterally extending flanges at the ends thereof,` which flanges are suitably secured to theframe members such as by welding.

A plurality of cornice pieces H8 is used to connect the main frame members one to another. A suitable fastening device such as rivets passes through the cornice pieces and both frame members. The cornice pieces in addition to joining the frame members cover the junction thereof and provide a neat, ornamental appearance, presenting no sharp edges. Mounted adjacent the mid-portion of frame member 44 is a handle I2 which is used to carry the table when it is in the folded position shown in Figure 3. A latch liffi attached to frame members 35 and 42 serves to hold the table in the folded position.

Support for the table in the unfolded position is provided by the pair of leg structures 39 and 32, each of which comprises generally a metal tube H6, ||8 bent into substantially U-shape with the corners thereof bent outwardly to form supporting feet |29, |22, |24 and |26. Figures 5 and 6 show the manner in which one of the legs |23 of tube HS is attached to the table top frame. The other three legs are similarly attached. The frame member (i9 is bent outwardly as at |30 away from the web portion 46 of the frame member 38 whereby to form a passage therebetween. The upper end of the tubular leg |28 is flattened as at |32 and provided with an aperture therethrough which receives a headed axle member |34 held in position by a cotter pin |36. A head |38 of axle part |34 is adapted to ride within the passage formed between frame members 38 and 69, the axle part |34 passing through an elongated slot |40 cut in the portion |38. A Washer |42 is positioned between the flattened portion |32 of leg |28 and the frame member 60. This construction gives a sliding and pivotal connection between the leg |28 and the frame members whereby to allow the leg to slide along the slot |40 and pivot with respect to the frame as shown by the dotted linesl in Figure 5.

The leg |28 is also connected to the frame by a strut member IM, one end of which is pivotally connected to leg |28 as at |45, the other end of which is pivotally connected to the frame members 98 and 68 as at |48 by any suitable means such as rivets. The strut |44 in cooperation with the right-hand end of slot |40 limits the extent to which the lower end of leg |28 can swing downwardly and to the left, as viewed in Figurel 5. Due to the sliding connection between the upper end of leg |28-and the table top frame, it will be seen that strut |44 does not prevent leg |28 from moving to the folded position.

The `leg members H6 and H8 are triangularly braced by V-shaped members |50 and |52 respectively. rIhe lower ends of the V-shaped members |58 and |52 are connected to bight portions |5f2|56 of the tubes H6, ||8 by rivets |51 or any other suitable fastening device. The upper ends of the members |50, |52 are connected to the legs by the same rivet which fastens the bracing strut to the leg. Referring more particularly to Figure 5, it will be seen that one of therupper arms of member |59 is attached to leg |28by.y the rivet which attaches strut |44 to leg |28. This triangular form of bracing gives a particularly sturdy leg structure which resists all types of distortions.

There also is provided a pair of leg braces |58 and` |69A for the leg members H6 and ||3 respectively. There is shown in Figure 5 a detailed viewof the construction of brace |58, brace |50 being similarly constructed. Brace |58 comprises generally two members |62 and |84 which arel hinged together as at |66. The other end of members |62 is pivotally connected to the table top frame as at |58, and the other end of member |64 is pivotally connected as shown in detail in Figure 11. A pin |14 passes through the arms of V-shaped support member |58 near the point at which member |58 is attached to bight portion |54 of the leg structure I |6. One end of member |64 is pivotally connected to pin |14 and is positioned thereon by a pair of washer or spacer members |16 and |18 which are placed on either side of member |64 between the arms of the V- shaped support |58. Since the brace members |62 and |64 are hinged at 66, they do not prevent the support member ||6 from being folded toward the closed position as shown by dotted lines in Figure 5. When the legs are in the unfolded position shown in solid lines in Figure 5, the brace |58 limits the extent to which the bottom of the support member ||6 can move toward the left and through the action of a locking member |88 prevents an inadvertent movement by the support member ||6 toward the closed position.

Details of construction of the locking member |88 are shown in Figures 9 and 10. 'I'he locking structure comprises a strip of metal |82 bent into substantially U-shape with the U-shape cross section being of such dimensions as to surround the brace members |62 and |64 in their juxtaposed position. As may be best seen in Figure 9, brace member |82 extends past the pivot point |66 as at part |84, and it is to part |86 that the U-shaped strip |82 is fastened by any suitable means such as by welding along one of the legs |86 of the U-shaped cross section. A cam and catch portion |88 is formed on the free end of the other leg member |98 of the U-shaped metal part |82. The member |88 is bent inwardly toward the two brace members |62|64 whereby to hold them in the juxtaposed position, as may be seen in Figure 10. The arm |98, however, is resilient enough to allow the brace members |62 and |64 to be folded or broken at point |66 without the necessity of manually unlocking the lock member |88. Similarly when the leg structure is unfolded, the cam action of member |88 allows the brace members |62 and |64 to go to the fully extended position, engaging the locking member |88 by merely exerting a slight pushing force.

Another form of locking mechanism for the brace 58 is shown in Figure 12. The brace members |62a and |64a are similar to corresponding members |62 and |64, member |6211 having a portion |84a extending past the pvot point |66a which corresponds to part |84. Brace member |64@ has ay slot formed therein as at |62 which is adapted to receive an ear |94 which is struck from and extends laterally with respect to part |8461.. Means is provided for locking brace in the operative position comprising an aperture |86 formed in brace member |64a which is so pos1- tioned and is of a shape to receive a stud |98 formed on extension |84a of brace member |6211.. When the brace is in operative position the ear 84 rests in slot |92 and stud |88 holds the brace members in this position by engaging the aperture |86. The extension |84a is resilient enough to be bent outwardly sufficiently to allow the stud |88 to pass across the face of brace member |64 and thereby enter aperture |96. The stud |98 is preferably formed with a rounded surface to facilitate unlocking the brace by merely exerting pressure on the underside of the brace upward- 6 ly in a manner similar to that in which the lock shown in Figures 9 and 10 is operated.

Referring now to Figure 5, the manner of holding the support members ||6 and ||8 will be described in detail. With the support member in the unfolded position as shown in solid lines, to fold the legs, the brace structure |58 is rst broken or folded at poin-t |66 by exerting a force or pressure upwardly toward the left against either brace member |62 or |64, preferably near the hinge point |66. The brace lock |88 will release upon the application of a slight force, and the pivot point |66 will move upwardly to the left. The upper end of leg |23 riding on the support pin |34 will move to the left in slot |48. The brace member |44 will also pivot upwardly about the point |48, and simultaneously relative pivotal movement will take place between the leg |28 and brace |44 about point |46. The leg |28 and its associated parts will move upwardly through the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 5, and finally the leg will come to rest within the frame member 68 to form a compact, folded structure.

When support members 30 and 32 have both been moved to the folded position, the table top sections 28 and 22 may be folded at the hinge points 26 and 28 to the position shown in Figure 3. After the lock 4 has been closed, the table is ready to be conveniently transported by grasping the handle l I2.

There has been provided a table of simple yet strong and ornamental construction which eX- hibits a relatively large surface when set up yet which can be folded to a relatively small, compact, easily-handled unit. The improved leg mounting gives sturdy support for the table top, the leg structure being capable of .being folded easily and safely into a compact relationship with the table top.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in the specific embodiment set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the particular embodiment shown and described but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. In a folding table having swingable legs, -a bracing means comprising a pair of bracing members hingedly connected to one another, one end of one of said 'bracing members being pivotally connected to one of the legs of said table, one of the ends of the other of said bracing members being pivotally connected to said table, a portion on one of said bracing members extending past the pivotal connection between said bracing members, and engaging means attached to said portion and adapted to releasably engage the other of said bracing members, said engaging means including a resilient member extending laterally from, thence generally along one side of said portion for receiving the other of said members, said resilient member having cam means engageable with the other of said bracing members.

2. A table top comprising a substantially rectangular load supporting panel, a frame extending around three sides of said panel, said frame including a bight portion extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the surface of said load supporting panel, a rst flange extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to said bight portion and overlying one of the surface vofsaid panel, said '.rstiand'second flanges.-

being. substantially;coextensive with., said frame and being spa'cedfapartY a` distance; substantially equalv to `the;thiclniessosaid panel, said flanges.

gripping said; panel.' around the aforementioned three sides :thereof to supportsaid panel.

3. Attable. comprising a pair. of substantially rectangular frames, hinge meansinterconnecting said'frames alongzone. edgethereof, a supportassemblyfor; each of said frames including a substantially U-shapedsupport member, said supportmember h'avinga bightV portion and a pairofllegsattachedzat' one. end thereof to said bightportion, the free ends of said legs being slidably and pivotally mounted on said frame, aV

strut member pivoted at one end to said frame atv a .point disposed between said hinge means and the point.oficonnectioniof said leg to said frameY andat theiother end .toone of. said legs, a pair ofA bracing. members: hingedly connected to one another, one end of one of said bracing members being.pivotallyconnected to the bight portion of said support'member; onev of the ends of the other said: bracing -members being pivotally f connected to said.' frame, andzlocking means to lock said bracing. members in bracing position, said support member in the supporting positionY being inclined downwardly and away from said hinge means whereby the weight of the table: holds the support;member in the supporting position.

4. A support assembly for a table having a frame, comprising. a substantially U-shaped supportmember. having. a bight portionand a pair of legseattachedcat'oneend thereof to said bight.

portion,A the other'. ends of. said legs being pivotall'yandslidablymounted on the frame, a strut member, one end of said strut member being pivoted`on`the frame andthe other end of saidstrut legs; a pairI ofbracingmembers hingedly connectedtobneanother,` one end of one of said bracing. members being pivotally connected to said b'ight portion; oneY of the ends :ofthe other ofsaid bracing. members being pivotally. connectedfto the frame, and lockingmeans to lock said bracing members in bracing position to hold said support member in supporting position.v

5. In aitable construction, afsubstantially rectangular load supporting panel, a frameA extending aroundthree-sidesof said panel, saidA frame including aplurality of channel members having a bight portion extending substantially perpendicularly to said load'supporting panel, said channel members having'ilangesY extending perpendicularly` from said". bight portion .and overlying one surface fofsaidp-anel, apanel retainingmember disposed withinteach ofi said',v channel members, eachof said panelretaining members having a'flange extending substantiallyl parallel to the ilange of:itsfassociated.channel member, the flanges; of :"said panel: retaining members s overlymember being pivotallyconnected to one of said 8 lying. another surface. ofA said: mentionedgandisaidsecond mentioned flanges being. spaced apart av distancesubstantially equal to the thicknessyof said panel,.said1flanges gripping. and supporting'said .paneliaroundthe edges.

thereof.`

6. yAf table, comprising` a fpair. o substantially rectangularload supporting: panelszdisposed with theiredges; in juxtaposed relationship, a pair'of frames, ea'chtsurrounding the 'otherfedges Yof. one ofzsaidpanels, hinge means interconnecting said. framesialong adjacentedgesithereof,each'of said framesincluding.afpair of opposed channel. membersanda cross. channel: member, said channel members having, upstanding bight. portions extending substantially. perpendicularly to said panels; flanges:` extending normally fromV saidl bight portions andoverlying-one surface of said panels,.a panel securing memberdi'sposedwithin each oftsaid'channel members, each of said panel securingmembershaving a iiangeextending substantially. parallel to said Aiirst mentioned flanges and overlying a second surface of said panels, said load supporting panels being grippedV and supported between said first and second mentionedil'anges, the panel securing members disposed within said opposed channel members, each having a web portion spaced laterally'from the bight portion of its associated channel member toprovide a housing, each of said-spaced web portions having an elongated slot therein, a support assembly for each of said frames including a generally U-shaped support'member having a cross portion and a pair of legs attached to one end of said cross portion, pivot pins having enlarged heads slidably disposed within each of said housings, said pins having portions extending through said slots and seouredgto free ends of said legs forpivotally and slidably mounting said support members to said frames so that said support members may be swung from an open supporting position into a olded'position within bounding planes of said frames.

CARL HOFFMANN.

llElFFJRENCESl CIT-El) The following references are -of record in the le of this patent:

UNTED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,063,642 Birdsall June 3,- 1913 1,331,953 Brown Feb. 24, 1920v 1,446,924 Nicholson Feb. 27, 1923 1,557,402v Baterson Oct. 13, 1925 1,630,102 Zimmerman May 24,1927 1,939,834 Berssenbrugge Oct. 17, 1933 1,951,594 Carroll Mar. 20, 1934 2,187,893k Richardson Jan. 23, 1940 2,194,421 De Saussure, Jr; Mar. 19, 1940 2,253,772 Edgren- Aug. 26, 1941 2,542,394V Cohen-etal. Feb. 20, 1951 2,548,648 Booth Apr. l0, 1951 panel, said first. 

